Cadillac CTS reliability: common problems by model year
Across 7 model years, the Cadillac CTS has 1,177 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 28 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2003 drew the most complaints (321), 2010 the fewest (1).
7
Model years tracked
1,177
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
175
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Cadillac CTS vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $10,979–$17,080.
Which CTS years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and specific powertrain. The third-generation CTS (2014-2019) and its high-performance variants (CTS-V, V-Sport) receive significant praise for their handling dynamics, competitive performance, and value p
Transmission problems: Includes shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement, and complete failure. Affects the 8-speed automatic (8L45/8L90) in later models and older automatics in earlier models. Very frequent.
Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system failures: Screen delamination, unresponsive touchscreen, phantom touches, and complete failure requiring costly replacement. Very frequent.
Electrical system issues: Battery drain problems, faulty sensors, malfunctioning modules (TCM, ECM communication loss), anti-theft system malfunctions, and accessory failures (heated/cooled seats, steering wheel buttons). Very frequent.
Engine issues: Oil consumption/burning, timing chain problems (early 3.6L engines), misfires, rough idle, and coolant temperature sensor failures. Recurrent.
Suspension and driveline problems: Rear air suspension failure (sagging), leaking differential seals, failing wheel bearings, and driveshaft support bearing failure. Recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CTS. Individual model years are broken down above.